Whether you are walking along the Champs Elysees, cruising the Amazon river, or standing on the top of Mount Fuji, you will probably have your phone with you. With so many people using them in so many different countries, phone culture has become as varied as the clothes we wear or the food we eat. Japan is no exception. Keep reading for some interesting facts and tips on how to navigate the Japanese mobile phone culture.

With a global mix of international and local English-speaking singles throughout Japan, there may be no better place to find love — but taking that first step in a foreign country can sometimes be difficult. If you’re new to Japan or are looking for an easier way to meet someone special, here are 5 popular dating apps to help. With a little luck and these apps, you may find that special someone!READ MORE

When it comes to wireless data In Japan, you have the choice of going with one of the big three network operators, all of which require lengthy contracts, Japanese credit cards, and a Japanese billing address. For tourists, short-term residents, or anyone who doesn’t have a Japanese credit card or billing address, MVNOs are the way to go. Keep reading to find out what they are and how to pick the best one for your wireless needs with our Japan MVNO comparison.

With around 38 million people in the Greater Tokyo Area, there are plenty of accommodations available; but finding the right apartment and knowing what to expect is another thing. If you’ve begun thinking about moving to Japan’s largest city, keep reading for tips on renting in Tokyo.

Japan is one of the most connected countries in the world. With 144 million smartphones among 127 million people, nearly everyone has access to the internet. Coupled with some of the fastest home broadband speeds found anywhere in the world, this makes Japan a great place to use the internet at home or on the go. If you’re looking for a way to use your computer in Japan, you need a traditional broadband connection, a smartphone data SIM for tethering, or a high-speed mobile router. Keep reading to find out which option is right for you during your long-term stay.

Japan is becoming more popular with different kinds of tourists from all over the world. While many people might prefer to be whisked around by planes and trains, there’s also something to be said for taking it slow and soaking in the beautiful blue of the Pacific ocean and experiencing a culture like no other. We’ll let you in on the awesomeness of cruises around Japan, highlight the perils of cruise ship connectivity and give you a few tips on how to keep your internet connection from being lost at sea.

Wondering about getting a working holiday visa in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know, from what it means, how to apply and how to stay connected.

If you love Japan and would like to spend more time in the country to learn the language, experience the culture or simply travel, one of the best ways is via the working holiday program.

If your country has such an arrangement with Japan, and you’re anywhere from 18 to 30 years of age when you apply (or 18 to 25 years for Canada, Australia and Korea, with a possibility of extending the age limitation to 30 depending on the situation), this could be a life-changing step for you. From its many benefits to how to apply, here’s a simple guide to getting a working holiday visa in Japan.

Japan is in the middle of a mobile phone revolution thanks to a set of recently introduced regulations.

It used to be impossible for mobile phone users in Japan to unlock their handsets, which meant that every phone was tied to a network with no possibility of using them elsewhere. This effectively locked customers into one of the big three service providers and stifled competition. This all changed when regulations were introduced in 2015, and it is now possible to use any unlocked handset with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

The advent of Japan MVNO carriers is great news for those looking for a cheaper alternative to the traditionally lengthy and costly contracts available from the incumbent networks.

Japan is a country of mountains. Nearly three quarters of the land is considered mountainous, and two thirds is forested. This makes Japan an excellent place to walk and hike, with trails for beginners and experts alike. Some of the popular locations have well-appointed cabins for overnight stays or extended rests, and will even offer the most Japanese of services – vending machines!

Despite these modern conveniences, hiking in Japan, not to mention mountain climbing there, still means planning your trip carefully and being able to keep in touch with civilization when necessary. Staying connected means packing the newest piece of hiking technology, your mobile phone.

For years Japan was the world leader in mobile phone technology. Japan’s mobile network was the first to go nationwide. Japan was also the first to have mobile internet, the first with color screens on phones and the first for a whole host of other things we now take for granted.

But while the Japanese were forging ahead and using technology unique to Japan, the rest of the world was developing standards that now define a somewhat common ground globally. Because Japan has created its own closed mobile ecosystem, termed “Galapagos syndrome” because it has made their technology perfect in-country but incompatible on a world scale, using foreign phones on the domestic Japanese networks has been always been a challenge.

With the advent of 4G LTE networks, this disparity is becoming less of a problem for foreign travellers. It may be awhile before compatibility becomes a simple issue, but in the meantime here is a Japan mobile network guide to show you how to best use your options (such as a SIM card from Sakura Mobile) to successfully use your cell phone in Japan.